As cold weather hits and temperatures continue to drop, Commissioner Gary W. Black offers tips on how to properly handle and store fuel during the winter.

Purchase recommended fuel.
Lawn mowers and other small engine equipment are designed to run on gasoline blended with no more than 10% ethanol (E10).

Store fuel in proper containers.
Never store fuel in containers with open or leaking spouts. Leaking spouts are a fire safety hazard and promotes the absorption of moisture which can cause fuel to turn stale quicker.

Shake the fuel container for 30 seconds just prior to filling your equipment
This practice ensures the fuel is mixed properly.

Always store fuel in a cool dry area.This will also reduce the formation of condensation inside the fuel container. Fuel should never be stored in your house or by an open flame.

Drain fuel from equipment’s tank or use a fuel stabilizer.
When preparing to put your equipment into winter storage, drain all of the fuel from your equipment’s tank or add a fuel stabilizer to its fuel. Fuel stabilizers are effective only if they are mixed with fresh fuel and properly stored. Remember nothing can restore old, stale fuel.

For more tips or questions regarding proper fuel use and storage, please contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Fuel and Measures division at 404-656-3605.

About the GDA The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is the voice of the state’s agriculture community. The department's mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce. For more information, visit www.agr.georgia.gov.